The Chicago Cubs face the San Diego Padres on Monday, April 27, at 8:40 CT. The Cubs have been shut out in three of their 28 games this season, while they excel against left-handed pitchers.
Key points
Cubs have been shut out in three of their 28 games this season
Cubs have an .843 OPS against left-handed pitchers
BLANKED: The Cubs have been shut out in three of their 28 games, on pace to be blanked 17 times by the end of the season. They failed to score in 10 games last year, 16 in 2024, eight in 2023 and 12 in 2022. (Courtesy BCBâs JohnW53)
ALMOST EVEN: This is the 86th series between Cubs and Padres at San Diego. The Cubs have won the first game in 43 and lost it in 42. They are 13-15 in the first games of series after arriving from Los Angeles. They are 42-39 in all games of such series. (Courtesy BCBâs JohnW53)
AGAINST SOUTHPAWS: The Cubsâ .843 OPS vs. LHP is tied with the Dodgers for the best in MLB so far this year. The Cubs are second in BA (.286), first in OBP (.379) and third in SLG (.465), with 14 home runs (ranking second) against left-handed pitchers.
TODAY IN CUBS HISTORY: Kerry Wood struck out 14 Giants in a 7-3 win in San Francisco. It happened 25 years ago today, Friday, April 27, 2001.
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Matthew Boydâs first start since returning from a bicep issue, last Wednesday against the Phillies, was a bit rough around the edges (84 pitches in 4.2 innings), but he held them to two runs, struck out five and didnât walk anyone. Heâs walked just three and struck out 22 in 14 innings so far this year.
Including last yearâs postseason, Boyd threw 15.2 innings against the Padres last year and allowed three runs (1.76 ERA), with four walks and 12 strikeouts.
Randy VĂĄsquez made two starts against the Cubs last year, allowing four runs (three earned) in 9.2 innings, with seven (!) walks and four strikeouts. He didnât face the Cubs in the Wild Card Series.
In general, VĂĄsquez doesnât strike out a lot of guys nor walk many. In his last start, April 21 vs. the Rockies, he threw seven shutout innings, allowing three hits.
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The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
Youâll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled âCubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.â It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly âFirst Pitchâ) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
